Today, the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, talked with the delegation of Rio Tinto about current and potential projects, as well as modalities of comprehensive cooperation which would not be limited only to ore exploration and exploitation, but also to wider economic development of Macva district and the whole of Serbia.
Vucic thanked the representatives of the company, which are researching the deposits of jadarite minerals in the vicinity of Loznica within the “Jadar” project, for their readiness to discuss open issues, as well as for their commitment and understanding regarding the requirements for transparent work and meeting the most demanding environmental requirements.
“All projects that will be implemented in this area must meet the highest environmental and technological standards, because there is no healthy economic development without preserving a healthy environment,” said Vucic, emphasizing that the state will strictly take care of the application of the strictest environmental measures.
Representatives of Rio Tinto pointed out that a feasibility study will be completed by the end of this year, as well as a study on environmental impact assessment in order to start the exploitation of the mineral jadarite.
They confirmed that by the end of 2021, 450 million dollars will be invested in the “Jadar” project and in geological research, development of processing technology, preparation of studies and project preparation.
The interlocutors agreed that the strategy of cooperation between Rio Tinto and the state of Serbia must include a long-term contribution to the development of the local community, a responsible attitude towards the environment and general economic prosperity.
“Having in mind that the Jadarite deposit is one of the largest in the world in terms of lithium content, I expect that a full chain of added value will be established in cooperation with the state, not only for the Macva district and the city of Loznica, but for the whole of Serbia,” Vucic said. He added that he expects that in addition to the future mining and industrial complex “Jadar”, the project will also include factories for the production of batteries and products that depend on lithium, in order to create as many new jobs as possible.
Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm said the company remains committed to building long-term partnerships.
“As a company, we strive to establish a relationship of mutual respect with landowners, the local community and the Government of Serbia, but also with all other partners during the entire period of business,” Stausholm said.
He pointed out that a team of experts from all over the world in the field of geology, mining, production technologies and environmental protection is working to bring this project in line with the highest world standards, which sets the basis for the implementation of large mining and metallurgical greenfield project “Jadar”, worth two billion dollars.
The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, Minister of Mining and Energy Zorana Mihajlovic, Minister of Environmental Protection Irena Vujovic and Advisor to the President of Serbia for Investments Danilo Cicmil, Danas reports.
